Kanata has a keen ear for musical notes but no skill or talent for actually playing instruments, so she joined the military as a bugler in order to learn to play. Now she has been assigned to the remote village Seize, defended solely by a small all-female squad in keeping with local legend. Unprofessionally, she manages to get repeatedly distracted along the way, first getting caught up in a messy traditional festival and then chasing down a lost bell for a new friend, Rio. Finally, she meets up with her squad, discovers that Rio is her superior officer, and enthusiastically begins her new life stationed at the Time-Telling Fortress of Seize.

Sora no Woto is the latest show to capitalize on the recent moe trend in anime, focusing more on its adorable characters than an intricate plot or compelling world. Now, a little light entertainment isn’t all bad, and Sora no Woto does put in the effort to create a charming setting for its moe escapades, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that the show is fundamentally shallow. Most at fault is the main girl Kanata who, despite being a professional soldier and bugler, is completely inept at both roles because a true professional soldier would be significantly less adorable. The entire military theme is somewhat bizarre when the entire squad is carefree teenage girls, with not a single grizzled veteran in sight after the opening minutes. Nonetheless, the show does have a significant amount of charm, but it’s treading a fine line between delightful and insufferable. Over the rest of the season it could easily go in either direction, but for now it’s a decent show when you’re looking for something a bit more lighthearted and relaxed.